Introducing the New Showcase Powered by Blocks: WordPress Relaunches its Website Showcase
WordPress.org has recently unveiled the redesigned Showcase, featuring new block-based components and a user-friendly interface. This revamp is part of a larger effort to modernize WordPress.org, and it comes just two months after the platform relaunched its homepage and Download page with a fresh new design.
The updated Showcase offers visitors an enhanced browsing experience, with the ability to filter sites by categories and tags. The mobile experience has also been significantly improved, making it easier for users to navigate through the showcased websites. At launch, there were already 101 sites available to explore, grouped into five categories: Business, Community, Creative, Publication, and Store. Additionally, visitors can choose from three flavors: WordPress, WordPress Enterprise, and Multisite.
One of the standout features of the new Showcase is the random update of the featured listing at the top of the page upon each refresh. Each individual listing includes desktop and mobile screenshots, providing a glimpse into the site’s design and functionality. The screenshots are cleverly presented with a background color that complements the website’s main colors, creating a visually appealing layout.
The primary objective of the Showcase is to inspire visitors and showcase the boundless possibilities of WordPress. It features a diverse range of websites, including high-profile names like Harvard University, NASA, Rolling Stone, and The White House, as well as lesser-known but equally stunning sites across various disciplines. This curated selection demonstrates the versatility and creative potential of the WordPress platform.
To power this new implementation of the Showcase, WordPress.org has utilized blocks, built on a custom child theme for its parent block theme. This allows the site to leverage core functionality and custom blocks specifically designed for WordPress.org. The benefits extend beyond just the Showcase itself, as improvements in layout standardization and new block functionality will be utilized in other areas of WordPress.org.
The updated Showcase is an invaluable resource for agencies and freelancers involved in website development. It provides a comprehensive collection of WordPress-powered sites, allowing them to demonstrate the platform’s capabilities and versatility in serving any industry. The Showcase is also open for new submissions, provided they meet certain criteria. These criteria include using WordPress in a unique or innovative way, representing a notable organization or government entity, and utilizing modern WordPress.
While the submission process is currently undergoing improvements to streamline and automate it, there will still be a manual review involved. However, as this process becomes more efficient, maintaining the Showcase will become easier than in previous years.
In conclusion, the relaunch of the WordPress Showcase brings an exciting new approach to highlighting the power and diversity of websites built on the WordPress platform. With its user-friendly interface, enhanced mobile experience, and curated selection of websites, it serves as a valuable resource for both developers and those seeking inspiration for their own projects. The integration of blocks and other custom functionalities further enhances the overall experience, making it easier to maintain and update in the future. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or simply interested in exploring what WordPress has to offer, the Showcase is definitely worth a visit.
